NAPLS Students Showcase Musical Talent

2012 NAPLS Musical Concert Schedule

Knowing that the end of the calendar year is an opportunity for many of the music groups in our district to perform the great works they have been practicing throughout the semester – We asked our High School Music Department Chair, Ms. Horton for her perspective on music in education and we share the following with many contributions from students.

According to The College Board, the arts are one of the six basic academic subject areas students should study in order to succeed in college.  “Many colleges view participation in the arts as a valuable experience that broadens students’ appreciation and understanding of the world around them.  It is also well known and widely recognized that the arts contribute significantly to children’s intellectual development.”  (U.S. Department of Education, 1997)  Research abounds that uphold these assumptions, so we decided to go straight to our students to find out how participating in our school music programs has benefited them.  The following are direct quotes and paraphrased excerpts of student responses.

Studying and performing music:

• Makes me more confident in my abilities.
• Develops leadership and teamwork.  You must learn to cooperate with fellow performers to make good music.
• Taught me to pay attention to details, to memorize and compute.
• Develops my ability to multi-task – reading the music, listening, performing the music and watching the director.
• Helps me overcome stage fright, which transfers to giving presentations.
• Self-directed practicing taught me better study skills.
• Helps me study using rhythmic devices to memorize facts and theories.
• Made me learn to manage my time.
• Has given me opportunities to earn money performing outside of school.
• Allows me to interact with students in different grades, and from different social groups.  I have learned the value of individuals working as part of a team.
• Makes connections to history and literature, especially regarding cultural references, religions, poetry, and specific historic moments.
• Is cathartic, an outlet for emotion and stress, and promotes creativity.  Making music is fun!
• Fosters friendships, develops closeness.  (Secondary students who participated in music ensembles reported the lowest lifetime and current use of all substances – alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs.  Texas Commission on Drugs and Alcohol Abuse Report)
• In 3^rd grade, learning note values helped me understand and learn fractions.
• Working on a difficult piece means constant revision, “editing” my work, delving deeper into the piece to understand meaning.
• [Playing an instrument] has helped develop my motor skills, which apply to playing sports, and hopefully to becoming a surgeon.  (According to research conducted by physician and biologist, Lewis Thomas, among the undergraduate majors of medical school applicants, 66% of music majors were admitted – the highest percentage of any group.  Next was biochemistry majors, with 44% admittance.  Reported in Phi Delta Kappan, February, 1994)
• Reading music is learning another language.
• Helped me understand the physics of sound waves in science class.
• Has made me understand inter-dependency, and my responsibility to a group.
• Provides an opportunity to become part of a community.   Most classes focus on what you can accomplish individually.  In music, the focus is on what you can do together.
• “Music is everywhere!  How can you NOT be a part of it?”

Clearly, our students understand and value their participation in our school music programs.  I was amazed at how quickly and freely they discussed the positive impact performing music has had on their lives.  I know that I speak on behalf of all the New Albany music staff when I thank the school administration, community at large, and mostly parents, for supporting our student music programs.  We would love to see all of you at any and all of our performances in December and throughout the year.  You will be amazed at the incredible music our students are creating!